New Year Resolutions

Published December 30th, 2008

Â Â Â What is it about starting a new year that makes us want to get in shape, eat better, get organized or quit a bad habit?Â The first of the year gives everyone a fresh start or a clean slate. Psychologist Mark Crawford says your chances of succeeding will go up if you follow some simple advice.Â

Â Â Â Number one:Â Be specific, take for example the goal of losing weight, saying I want to lose weight is way too general, you should say I want to lose 10 pounds. Second, set a realistic goal, very few people are going to lose 50 pounds in a year, but losing 5 to 10 is a goal everyone can reach.Â Crawford suggests figuring out some steps to accomplish the goals and setting a time frame for succeeding.Â

"I would say set a goal for about 2 weeks, stop, see how you're doing."Â

Â Â Â He says if you make it to Valentine's Day...you'll have a pretty good chance of sticking with your resolution.Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â